Thursday, January 11, 2024
Dear School Leaders,
I know you are closely watching the weather forecasts for tomorrow and have the 2nd Friday count date on your minds. I want to share this communication from our School Finance Team (Bulletin #985) and let you know that we stand ready to work with you to approve alternative count dates should you decide to close to keep your students safe. We are prepared to use as much flexibility as possible. I’m also aware that many of you are following the state holiday schedule and do not have school on Monday the 15th and there is a likelihood of severe cold next week. We can accommodate all of that in your requests for an alternative date. I also want to remind you that should you have students absent on the count date who are eligible and receiving services, they are considered enrolled and will be counted in accordance with our guidance (reminder: if any students are absent but still enrolled in the district on the count date, they can still be counted if they were present for instruction at least one day during the school year prior to the count date, at least one day during the school year after the count date, and have remained a resident during the time of absence).
I urge you to make the best decisions possible for your local communities. The department is prepared to help where needed to support those decisions. Please don’t hesitate to contact Roger Kordus on the School Financial Services Team if you have questions.
Thank you for your service and stay safe!
Jill K. Underly, PhD
State Superintendent